Girona Jewish Quarter
Did you know that in Girona the Jewish quarter is one of the best preserved in Europe?
Currently, the Call —or the Jewish quarter— is one of the most emblematic areas of Força Vella and Girona. The Jewish quarter of Girona is, without a doubt, a must-see for those who visit Girona.
Therefore, the objective of this post is that you know it better before coming to see it.
Girona Jewish Quarter: a brief history
Already in the year 888, a document spoke of the presence of a Jewish community in Girona.
However, this community did not begin to acquire much relevance until the 12th century, when they already formed a small community on Carrer de la Força.
This small community remained until the end of the 15th century. But during her last decades in Girona, she was subjected to a great repression: they were confined within their neighborhood and to leave it they had to identify themselves with a red circle.
His expulsion took place in 1492, when the Catholic Monarchs issued an edict that forced the Jews to leave the country, if they did not accept to convert to Christianity.
What to see in the Jewish quarter of Girona
Just the fact of getting lost in its medieval streets is already a good incentive to visit it. But also, these are some places that you cannot miss:
The Bonastruc Ça Porta center (the Museum of Jewish History of Girona)
Located in the center of the Jewish quarter, it is believed to have been the last synagogue in Girona.
Today, this construction houses the Jewish History Museum and Study Center, a place that attracts thousands of tourists every year.
In it, the history of medieval Jewish communities in Catalonia and especially in Girona is explained.
It gives us a broad vision of its history, gastronomy, culture …
The objective of the Girona Jewish Museum is to value the city’s Jewish heritage and make it known to the general population.
Something to highlight about this Jewish museum in Girona is its collection of Hebrew tombstones from the Middle Ages, rescued from the Jewish cemetery of Montjuïc. This cemetery was located to the north of the city, outside the walls, on the Montjuic mountain (mount of the Jews).
The streets of the Jewish quarter of Girona
We already told you at the beginning.
The streets themselves are the perfect place to get lost and immerse yourself in medieval Jewish Girona. In the tourist field, this neighborhood has been key to attracting tourists from all over the world. Hence, whoever visits Girona does not leave without taking a walk through its narrow streets.
It is part of the identity of the city.
The little square of the Institut Vell
At the end of Carrer de la Força, you will find this small square, where you can see several buildings that bear witness to the presence of Jews in medieval Girona.
One of these buildings is the Canonja Vella, a construction dating from the 12th century.
The Pabordia
This is the name given to a group of buildings that housed the public baths between the 13th and 14th centuries. To get there you have to go up the ascent of the Virgen de la Pera.
Ascent of the Virgen de la Pera
Head to the right of Carrer de la Força.
If you continue this climb you will reach one of the porticoes of the old town that mark the upper limit of the Jewish quarter of Girona.
Have you prepared your visit to the Jewish quarter of Girona?
We hope we have helped you prepare your visit to the Jewish quarter of Girona.
If you want to take a much more vivid memory of Girona and the Jewish quarter, we recommend that you join us on one of our tours.
We have local guides who will tell you all the history behind the streets and will give you a broader vision of what was the medieval Jewish quarter of Girona.
Take a look at our Tour of Jewish Girona and the medieval walls.
The visit includes tickets to the Museum of the History of the Jews in Girona.
You dare?
Location
How to get to the Girona Tour meeting point
The starting point of “Girona Tour: Guided Visits and Tours in Girona | Gironatour.com” is located in the heart of Plaça de Catalunya, 17004 Girona. Although depending on the visit the meeting point may vary.
You will find us right next to the Gelateria La Gioconda ice cream parlor.
A 4-minute walk from the Jardines de la Muralla and a 3-minute walk from the Girona City Hall building.
1 minute walk from the Cadaqués Casino Bar
